Last weekend, students, families, and refugees gathered in the gyms of Jesuit College Prep for the American African Outreach Society Basketball Tournament. Though the tournament allowed for all involved to play some good old fashioned basketball, it gave the people of the community an opportunity to do something more, help others.
The AAOS has existed at Jesuit for three years now and has provided a range of aid to refugees here in the U.S. and around the world. This tournament was created for the purpose of raising money for the refugees still seeking refuge in countries such as Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Syria, and countless others places, but it ended up accomplishing so much more.
Tucker Reed ‘14, commented, “I always have fun playing basketball with my peers and knowing that I am doing some good by helping the refugees.” As for the refugees who attended the gathering, they enjoyed a basketball game of their own.
While “dipping and dodging” on the court, the children were able to relax and enjoy their day without having to think about any troubles they might have. When asked about the effects of the AAOS Basketball Tournament, Brocke Stepteau ‘14, Co – President of the organization, stated, “I feel that an event like this brings the Jesuit community closer together because it allows everyone to converge and participate in some fun activities. As for the refugees in Dallas, I hope it shows that we as a Jesuit community are willing to do all we can to help out.” When the donations were tallied up, the amount of money raised equaled an impressive $501 dollars, making the day a huge success.
But there was a friendly, yet passionate, tournament going on, while all the fantastic charitable and benevolent acts were occurring. While at some courts there were light hearted matches taking place, at others there were nail biting, knock down drag out, battles. Towards the end of tournament play, it would be two of the sleeper teams that would play in the final. Team La Sally, comprised of Jack Mercher ‘14, Tucker Reed ’14, Thomas Salyer ‘14, and Seth Sebastian ‘14, would face Divine Inspiration, made up of Michael Bejarano ‘14, Ben Hartmann ‘14, and Joe Hartmann ‘14.
The two teams traded punches through the first minuets, neither team receiving any room to breathe. As the game went on, La Sally began to outpace its counterpart. However, as anyone would expect from a team consisting of the Hartmann twins and the mighty Bejarano, Divine Inspiration made a gallant push, making a three point shot in the final seconds to bring them within one point of La Sally and give them possession.
But unfortunately, it was not to be Divine Inspiration’s day. Reed checked the ball to Bejarano and on a calamitous play, Bejarano hurled
the ball to an un-expecting Hartmann, hoping to get a quick shot off. The ball flew past Hartmann and into the bleachers as the clock hit zero, making La Sally the victor.
The AAOS Basketball Tournament was a fruitful event for all involved, and the community was able to join together and take pleasure in a game, while assisting the needy, which is about as good as it gets. To get involved in the AAOS or any other type of community service, see Mr. Richard Perry, Jr. in the Community Service Commons.
